When you own or rent a home in Pretoria, safety is never something you want to take for granted. Whether you’re in a quiet suburb or a busier part of the city, home security isn’t just about keeping out unwanted visitors—it’s about peace of mind. Yet, time and again, people unknowingly make simple mistakes that can leave them vulnerable. The frustrating part is that most of these oversights are easy to fix once you’re aware of them.
Our team of trusted locksmiths look at ten of the most common home security mistakes in Pretoria and how you can avoid them.
Forgetting to Lock the Doors
It sounds too obvious to be true, but many break-ins in Pretoria start with a door that was simply left unlocked. Statistics from international studies often show that around a third of burglars use the front door to enter—and many of those doors were never locked in the first place.
It’s surprisingly easy to rush out the door in the morning—coffee in one hand, school bags in the other—and forget to turn the key. The same happens at night when you’re tired and ready for bed. The simplest fix is also the most effective: make locking your doors a habit, not a last-minute thought. Consider upgrading to a deadbolt or a smart lock so you can double-check your doors remotely if you’re already on the road.
Leaving Windows Unsecured
Windows, like doors, can be an open invitation if they’re left unlocked. It’s easy to assume a second-floor window is safe because it’s out of reach, but determined intruders are more resourceful than you might think. In Pretoria’s warmer months, it’s tempting to keep windows open for ventilation. If you must, invest in window locks or restrictors that allow air to flow without compromising security. And before you head out, make it part of your routine to check every window—ground floor and upper levels alike.
Hiding a Spare Key Outside
There’s a certain logic to hiding a spare key under a flower pot or a doormat: it’s convenient if you’re locked out. The problem is, burglars know this logic too—and they’ve seen every hiding spot you can imagine. If you need a backup plan, think beyond your property. Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour or friend instead. Better yet, consider a small combination lockbox fixed to a secure wall. It’s a much safer option than hoping no one spots the key under the garden rock.
Privacy That Works Against You
Tall walls, solid gates, and thick hedges are a familiar sight in Pretoria, and for good reason—they create a sense of safety. But too much privacy can work in favour of an intruder, giving them a concealed space to move around your property without being seen from the street or by neighbours. The key is to balance privacy with visibility. If possible, position fences and shrubs so they shield your home without creating blind spots near doors and windows. Motion-sensor lighting along hidden paths can also help expose anyone who shouldn’t be there.
Poor Exterior Lighting
Intruders rely on the cover of darkness. Dimly lit driveways, walkways, and back gardens make it far easier for someone to approach unnoticed. In Pretoria, where many properties have large yards or outdoor spaces, a lack of lighting is an open invitation. Installing motion-activated lights around entrances and pathways can make a huge difference. They’re energy efficient and provide an immediate deterrent. Combine them with well-placed static lighting so your home is never shrouded in complete darkness. The aim is simple: take away the shadows where someone might hide.
Letting Valuables Be the Shop Window
If you can see your television, laptop, or jewellery cabinet from outside the window, so can anyone walking past. In some cases, opportunistic burglars will spot something valuable and decide it’s worth breaking in for. This doesn’t mean you need to live behind closed curtains 24/7. But it’s worth rearranging furniture or moving smaller valuables out of direct view. For bigger items like TVs, make a habit of drawing curtains or blinds when you leave the house, especially in the evening when lights inside make everything more visible.
No Security Cameras or Doorbell Cams
Security cameras aren’t just for catching criminals—they can also stop them from targeting your home in the first place. In Pretoria, visible security cameras or video doorbells can be a strong deterrent, especially when paired with signage that makes it clear the property is monitored. Modern systems are more affordable and user-friendly than ever. Many allow you to check live footage from your phone, even when you’re away, and store recordings in the cloud. A basic setup at key entry points—front door, back door, and driveway—can make your home far less appealing to a would-be intruder.
Alarm Systems in the Wrong Place
Having an alarm system is excellent—but it’s only part of the solution. If your control panel is visible from outside, say through a front window, a criminal can easily tell whether it’s armed or not. That’s valuable information you don’t want to give away. Make sure your alarm panel is installed out of sight, ideally in a central part of the house. If you already have one in a visible location, consider moving it or adding a secondary indicator that doesn’t give away its status to prying eyes.
Assuming Daytime Is Safe
Many people picture burglaries happening under the cover of night. In reality, some of the most common break-ins happen in broad daylight—often between noon and 4pm, when most people are at work or school. In Pretoria, this means that leaving doors and windows unlocked “just for a quick trip” during the day is just as risky as doing so at night. Your security routine should be the same, no matter the hour. Lock up, set the alarm, and make sure the property looks occupied, even if you’re only gone for a short while.
Ignoring Damaged Doors and Windows
A cracked frame, a loose hinge, or a door that doesn’t close properly is more than an inconvenience—it’s a weak point that can be exploited. A surprising number of burglaries start with a door or window that could be forced open without much effort. If you spot damage, fix it as soon as possible. That might mean tightening hardware, replacing locks, or even upgrading to a more secure door or window altogether. Regular inspections are a smart habit, especially after storms or strong winds that might have caused damage.
Keeping Your Home Safer Every Day
The good news is that avoiding these common mistakes doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your home. Often, it’s about small, consistent actions—locking up, keeping things in good repair, and making sure your property doesn’t offer easy opportunities to the wrong person. Pretoria is a vibrant city with wonderful neighbourhoods, but like anywhere else, it’s worth staying one step ahead when it comes to security. By making these ten points part of your routine, you’ll be taking simple but powerful steps to protect both your home and your peace of mind.
FAQs
What specific types of locks are recommended to improve door security?
High-quality deadbolts, multi-point locking systems, and smart locks with encryption provide strong protection. Choose locks that meet South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) security ratings.
How can I improve the security of my windows?
Install window locks or restrictors, and consider laminated or shatter-resistant glass. Reinforce frames to make them harder to pry open.
What are some safe alternatives to hiding a spare key outside my home?
Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour or family member. You can also use a wall-mounted combination lockbox in a discreet location.
What kind of lighting is most effective for home security?
Motion-activated LED lights are energy-efficient and startle intruders. Pair them with steady ambient lighting around entrances for constant visibility.
How can I prevent burglars from seeing my valuables through windows?
Close curtains or blinds when you’re away, especially at night. Rearrange furniture so valuable items aren’t directly visible from outside.
What are the benefits of a motion-activated light system for home security?
They instantly illuminate when movement is detected, deterring intruders. They also conserve electricity by only activating when needed.
Where is the best location to install a home alarm system control panel?
Place it in a central area of the home, out of sight from windows or doors. This prevents intruders from easily seeing if the system is armed.
Do burglaries happen more often during the day or at night?
Many occur during the day, often between noon and 4pm, when people are at work or school. Night-time break-ins are less common but still possible.
What should I do if I notice damage to my doors or windows?
Repair or replace them immediately to eliminate weak points. Even minor damage can make it easier for intruders to gain entry.
What are some simple, low-cost ways to make my home more secure?
Lock doors and windows, use timer switches for lights, and trim overgrown shrubs. Join or start a neighbourhood watch group.
How can I create a home security routine to avoid common mistakes?
Set daily habits like locking all entry points and arming alarms before leaving. A quick nightly walk-through of your home helps catch oversights.
What are some effective ways to conceal valuables from outside view?
Store smaller items in drawers or safes and keep jewellery boxes out of sight. Position larger valuables so they’re not visible through windows.